NoVo Foundation

The NoVo Foundation is providing support to bring the Center’s “Family Spirit” program to the Navajo community of Tuba City, AZ, and train and transfer management of the program to local tribal organizations. Family Spirit is the largest, most rigorous Native-run parent training and family strengthening home-visiting program ever fielded in Indian Country. The Center trains and certifies Native paraprofessionals to conduct home visits with young, at-risk mothers, covering topics including prenatal care, child development, nutrition, family planning, preventing injuries, communication, conflict resolution, goal setting and budgeting. Three randomized controlled trials of the program have demonstrated impact on: parenting knowledge and self-efficacy; decreased maternal depression, substance abuse and externalizing disorders; and improved infant and toddler social, emotional and behavioral development. Family Spirit is now being replicated across the country.